For Vietnamese people, Tet holiday is not only the biggest celebration of the year but also a sacred moment of reunion and new beginnings. This is the time when everyone puts aside the troubles of the old year, cleans the house, gathers with family and gives each other wishes for peace and luck.
This time of year, the entire nation is decked out in a new outfit of bright red and yellow, the two colors representing fortune and happiness. Laughter, fireworks and the smell of incense in the wind make for a cozy and unforgettable atmosphere.
If you have the chance to visit Vietnam this winter and spring, Tet 2026 is a great opportunity to thoroughly enjoy Vietnamese festivities of Tet and the optimistic spirit of its people during this special time of year.
How Long is Tet Holiday in Vietnam in 2026?
In 2026, Tet holiday will officially begin on February 17 (New Year’s Day) and typically lasts 7-10 days, including the days before and after the Lunar New Year. Most businesses close for at least 3-5 days, while some families may celebrate for up to a week or more to spend time with relatives and honor ancestors.
How Tet is Celebrated Across Vietnam
The atmosphere of preparing for Tet usually starts to become lively 1-2 weeks before New Year’s Eve when people are busy shopping and decorating their houses to welcome a fresh start.
Northern region
In Hanoi and other northern provinces, Tet comes with a chilly air and mist covering the roads. Pink peach blossoms and kumquat trees full of fruit appear all over the streets. The atmosphere here is traditional and quiet, evoking a warm feeling of reunion and nostalgia.
Central region
The Central region welcomes Tet holiday in a cool climate, not too cold like the North nor too hot like the South which is ideal for enjoying the first holiday of the year. Hue is brilliant with yellow apricot blossoms and the solemn atmosphere at ancient pagodas, while Hoi An is sparkling with hundreds of lanterns lighting up the ancient town. Da Nang is bustling with New Year’s Eve celebrations and fireworks along the Han River, blending tradition with modern festivity.
Southern Region
While the Central and Northern regions are peaceful during the New Year, the South is more bustling and dynamic than ever. The bright yellow of apricot blossoms fills the streets as people happily shop, take photos and enjoy street food. The Tet holiday atmosphere in the South is vibrant and modern yet still retains the spirit of family reunion.
Top Activities for Tourists Visiting Vietnam During Tet
Visit colorful flower markets
Walking among the rows of colorful flowers is a great way to feel the atmosphere and colors of Tet. In Hanoi, there is Quang Ba market, and in Saigon, Nguyen Hue flower street is a famous check-in spot during the spring
Watch fireworks light up the sky
In big cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, there are often fixed fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. You should come early to get the best position to watch the fireworks light up the sky with music and the bustling cheers of everyone
Join Folk Festivals and Traditional Games
You can easily come across village festivals, lion dances or wrestling matches, tug of war, feel free to join in the fun, you can also ask the locals to participate in those competitions, you will be welcomed. Participating in these activities can help you enjoy the atmosphere of Tet and also help you understand the spirit of solidarity and simple joy of Vietnamese people through Tet traditions and customs.
Embark on a Spring Trip
It is a time-honored tradition for Vietnamese locals to join the community on spring trips to serene destinations, sightseeing, or to simply enjoy the pleasant temperatures of spring in parks or flower gardens. Traveling, relaxing and enjoying good luck to begin the year is a special practice for Vietnamese people. Traveling to a pagoda, visiting the countryside, or taking quick trips to the coast are all examples of spring trips that hello tourists view first-hand how Vietnamese people celebrate renewal and hope in the coming year during Tet holiday.
Where to Go on Tet Holiday in Vietnam
Traditional Tet holiday
Hanoi
Hanoi is perfect for those who want to experience a classic Vietnamese new year.
- Quang Ba Flower Market: The largest flower market in Hanoi, vibrant with peach blossoms, kumquat trees and colorful spring flowers. A must-visit for spring photography and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter: Streets are adorned with Tet decorations, lanterns and red banners. Walking around the Old Quarter, you can see local families buying Tet goods and children in traditional Ao Dai.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit ancient temples such as Bach Ma or Ngoc Son to join locals in praying for health and fortune. Street food tours are also a great way to taste Tet treats like sticky rice cakes, boiled chicken and candied fruits.
Hoi An
Hoi An’s ancient town transforms into a magical lantern-lit setting for Tet.
- Lantern Streets: Hundreds of colorful lanterns light up the town, perfect for photography and evening walks.
- Tet Markets: Experience local markets selling hand-made Tet decorations, fruits and traditional snacks.
- Cultural Shows: Join folk performances, lion dances and small-scale community festivals. A slower pace here allows visitors to immerse in local traditions.
Hue
The former imperial capital offers a Tet experience steeped in history and tradition.
- Imperial Citadel: Witness traditional Tet rituals and decorations at the ancient palace grounds.
- Pagodas and Temples: Thanh Toan Bridge, Thien Mu Pagoda and Tu Hieu Pagoda host spiritual ceremonies where visitors can participate in praying for prosperity and luck.
- Traditional Cuisine: Try Tet specialties like Banh Khoai, Tet sticky rice and local pickles that reflect Hue’s refined culinary heritage.
Vibrant Tet Holiday in big city
Ho Chi Minh City
Southern Tet is lively, colorful and family-oriented, reflecting the region’s dynamic lifestyle.
- Nguyen Hue Flower Street: A famous street transformed into a huge floral display for Tet. Visitors can enjoy decorations, exhibitions and photo opportunities.
- Ben Thanh & Local Markets: Shop for Tet gifts, souvenirs and traditional sweets.
- Street Celebrations: Lion dances, live music and public festivities create a vibrant atmosphere in the city center.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore Cho Lon (Saigon Chinatown) for temple visits, traditional offerings and local customs.
Tet holiday in Coastal regions
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is the perfect destination for those who want to celebrate Tet by the sea.
- During the holiday, the city comes alive with colorful fireworks, vibrant flower displays, and festive beach activities.
- Visitors can take leisurely walks along Tran Phu Boulevard, enjoy outdoor performances, or visit local markets filled with Tet decorations and delicacies.
The combination of sunshine, sea breeze, and celebratory spirit makes Nha Trang one of Vietnam’s most enjoyable coastal getaways for the Lunar New Year.
Phu Quoc
For a more peaceful and relaxing Tet experience, Phu Quoc offers calm beaches and a slower pace of life.
- Most resorts and restaurants remain open, catering to holiday travelers looking to unwind while still feeling the festive atmosphere.
- Guests can enjoy sunset dinners by the beach, visit night markets, or explore local temples where islanders pray for prosperity in the new year.
With its tropical charm and gentle rhythm, Phu Quoc is a wonderful choice for those who want to escape the crowds while still enjoying a meaningful Tet celebration.
Da Nang
Da Nang beautifully blends the excitement of a modern city with the warmth of traditional Tet celebrations.
- You can witness spectacular fireworks over the Han River at midnight, join lively spring festivals, and enjoy street games and performances throughout the city.
- The festive mood extends along the riverfront and My Khe Beach, where families gather to welcome the new year.
- Beyond the urban buzz, nature lovers can explore Marble Mountains or Son Tra Peninsula for a tranquil escape.
This mix of city energy and seaside relaxation makes Da Nang one of the top Tet destinations in central Vietnam.
Mui Ne
Mui Ne in Binh Thuan province attracts countless travelers during Tet with its golden beaches, towering sand dunes, and relaxed coastal vibe.
- The town’s resorts and beachfront cafes create a lively yet easygoing atmosphere, perfect for holidaymakers who want both activity and rest.
- Visitors can experience local Tet customs in fishing villages, explore the Fairy Stream, or simply soak up the sun by the sea.
With warm weather and plenty of open-air fun, Mui Ne promises a cheerful and memorable Tet by the ocean.
Tet Holiday in mountain and remote regions
Sapa
Sapa offers a serene and picturesque setting for a truly different Tet experience.
- Nestled among misty mountains and terraced rice fields, the town takes on a quiet charm during the holiday.
- You can explore local ethnic villages such as Cat Cat or Ta Van, where families wear traditional clothing, prepare local dishes, and celebrate the new year in unique ways.
The crisp mountain air and peaceful scenery create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for those seeking reflection and connection with local culture.
Ha Giang
For travelers craving adventure and authenticity, Ha Giang is one of the most captivating destinations to visit during Tet.
- Winding mountain roads lead to breathtaking landscapes and remote villages where ethnic minorities welcome the new year with music, dance and local feasts.
- The region’s terraced fields and limestone peaks are especially striking under the soft light of early spring.
Celebrating Tet here offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural diversity and the deep-rooted traditions of its northern highlands.
Ninh Binh
Often called “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh provides a beautiful mix of natural landscapes and spiritual heritage during Tet.
- Visitors can take a boat trip through the serene waterways of Trang An or Tam Coc, surrounded by limestone cliffs and blooming spring flowers. Many travelers also visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest in Vietnam to join locals in praying for health and prosperity.
The combination of tranquil scenery, sacred sites, and festive charm makes Ninh Binh a perfect retreat for a peaceful yet meaningful holiday.
Da Lat
Known as the “City of Flowers”, Da Lat becomes even more enchanting during Tet when blossoms fill every corner of the city.
- Visitors can stroll through the Flower Garden, wander around Xuan Huong Lake, or explore night markets brimming with Tet snacks and souvenirs.
- The cool mountain air, colorful blooms, and French-style architecture give Da Lat a romantic and festive atmosphere.
However, travelers should be prepared for busy streets, as many locals head here to enjoy the city’s beauty during the holiday.
How Vietnamese Prepare for Tet
1 – 2 weeks before Tet: Preparing for a Fresh Start
Cleaning and painting the house
Vietnamese people believe that cleaning the house before Tet will drive away bad luck from the old year and welcome fortune and luck into the house. This is also an occasion for families to gather together to prepare for the festive atmosphere.
Painting house before Tet
Home decoration
Due to the long terrain, the weather in the regions of Vietnam is also different, so the culture of celebrating Tet in the North, Central and South regions is also different. The North with cold air often welcomes Tet with soft pink peach blossoms or lush kumquat trees. The South, on the contrary, is warm, so it is suitable for bright yellow apricot trees.
The common point of these regions is decorations such as lanterns, red parallel sentences or lucky objects on the ancestral altar. Each of these items reflect Tet traditions and customs symbolizing luck, fortune and health.
Home decoration
Going to the Tet market
Going to the Tet market is the most important activity as well as the most anticipated by many people every time Tet comes. The Tet market is the place where the most variety of goods are sold, from flowers, ornamental plants, food to typical Tet decorations, where visitors can feel the most bustling atmosphere of the days before Tet and learn more about Tet traditions and customs.
Tet market
Making Banh Chung and Banh Tet
Making banh chung and banh tet is one of the most meaningful Tet holiday traditions, showing gratitude to ancestors and family unity. In the North, banh chung is square to symbolize the earth, while in the South, banh tet is cylindrical, representing the sky.
The cakes are made from sticky rice, green beans and pork, wrapped in green leaves and boiled for hours. Families usually gather a few days before Vietnamese New Year to prepare and cook together by the fire.
When finished, the cakes are offered on the ancestral altar and then shared during Tet meals. More than just food, banh chung and banh tet reflect how Vietnamese celebrate Tet with togetherness, tradition and hope for a prosperous new year.
Making Banh Chung & Banh Tet
New Year’s Eve: The Magical Midnight Moment
This is the most important and exciting moment every time Tet comes for Vietnamese people
Year-end worship
The tray of food with offerings to the ancestral altar is the most important thing on New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Eve, the whole family will gather, burn incense and offer offerings to the altar to report on the events of the old year and invite ancestors to celebrate Tet holiday with their family.
Welcoming New Year’s Eve
When the clock strikes 12:00 AM, Vietnamese people welcome the new year with fireworks and spring music. In big cities, brilliant fireworks displays are a highlight that cannot be missed during the Vietnamese New Year.
Firework on New Year’s eve
First Footing
One of the most meaningful traditions during this moment is “first footing”. According to Vietnamese belief, the first person to enter a house after midnight symbolizes the family’s luck for the entire year. Families often invite someone with good fortune, success, or a compatible zodiac sign to be the first visitor. This guest is warmly welcomed, offered tea, and given small treats as a gesture of good luck and friendship.
In some cases, a family member may step outside briefly and re-enter the home after midnight to “perform” the ritual themselves, ensuring that good fortune remains within the household. Visitors are generally mindful not to enter someone’s home early on New Year’s morning unless they’ve been invited.
The first three days of the year: Joy, Luck and Togetherness
Giving lucky money: on the first day of the new year, children and the elderly receive red envelopes with good wishes for health and fortune.
Tet wishes: Vietnamese people often visit relatives, friends or neighbors to send each other wishes for luck and happiness. This is also an opportunity to strengthen social relationships and unite the community.
Enjoy Tet dishes: Banh Chung/ Banh Tet, gio cha, sticky rice, boiled chicken along with countless types of fruit jams, Tet candies are indispensable dishes during these days, not only delicious but also associated with people’s memories of the Tet traditions and customs.
Visiting Pagodas and Temples for Peace and Prosperity: Vietnamese people often go to pagodas, temples to pray for peace, health and fortune for themselves and their families. During the first days of the year, tourists can also visit famous pagodas to experience the unique spiritual culture of Vietnamese people during important holidays such as Tet.
Joining Spring Festivals and Folk Games: In the first days of the year, in all parts of Vietnam, especially in rural villages, folk activities such as lion dance, dragon dance, wrestling, tug of war and folk singing are held in great numbers. These are activities that increase the vibrant atmosphere of Tet and are also an opportunity for the community to connect and preserve beautiful traditional cultural features.
Take spring photos: If you come to Vietnam during these days, you can easily see small families enjoying spring and capturing the first moments of the new year with traditional Ao Dai, spring flowers and colorful scenery. These are some of the best things to do during Tet in Vietnam.
Activities during Tet
>>> Capture the festive beauty of Hanoi during Tet holiday as streets bloom with flowers and people in colorful Ao Dai. Join a Full Day Hanoi City Tour to explore ancient temples, flower markets and scenic spots perfect for spring photography.
After Tet: Whishing for a Prosperous Year Ahead
Visiting and traveling at the beginning of the year: Many people take advantage of their free days after Tet to go to pagodas, visit or travel near home to start the new year, hoping to find luck for the new year ahead
Spring pen opening ceremony, opening a business: children will choose an auspicious day after Tet to write the first strokes of the pen for the new year and shops and businesses will also choose a good day to open their doors, marking a favorable start.
Spring pen opening ceremony
Tips for coming to Vietnam during Tet Holiday
Before Tet
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Book flights and hotels early: Tet holiday is a peak travel time for Vietnam and transportation and accommodations can sell out well in advance of the holiday season. Plan out your itinerary and make your reservations early to beat the rush.
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Carry cash: ATMs may run out of money or have long lines during the holiday period, particularly in smaller towns. As a pro tip, if you plan to use ATMs while traveling, get enough cash before the holiday season so you can pay for food, taxis, and other incidental purchases.
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Prepare for schedule changes: Some stores, restaurants, and government offices will likely close several days before and after Tet, which is why it is always best to check ahead before you go out. Tourist destinations will probably be open to welcome visitors.
During Tet
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Expect delays: Traffic jams and crowded transportation hubs are common, particularly just before and after New Year’s Eve. Be patient and allow extra travel time between destinations.
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Be patient and positive: Service might be slower than usual as many staff members take time off for family celebrations. A friendly attitude and understanding go a long way, locals will appreciate your kindness.
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Join local traditions: Don’t hesitate to participate in Tet markets, lion dances, or flower festivals. These are wonderful opportunities to experience Vietnamese hospitality and the festive spirit.
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Respect local customs: Wear bright, cheerful colors when visiting people’s homes, red and yellow symbolize luck. Avoid loud arguments or saying negative words, as it is believed to bring bad luck in the new year.
What to Avoid
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Avoid wearing black or white when entering homes during the first days of the year, as these are considered inauspicious colors.
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Avoid visiting empty or closed homes on the first day, since Vietnamese families are selective about their first guests of the year.
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Avoid rushing or complaining about slow service: Tet is about joy and harmony, taking things slowly and appreciating the moment will make your trip more enjoyable.
Traveling to Vietnam during Tet holiday is more than just a trip, it’s a journey into the heart of the country’s most joyful season. Streets come alive with vibrant colors, families gather in laughter and the scent of holiday dishes fills the air. From the misty charm of Hanoi to the lively energy of Saigon, you’ll feel the warmth and optimism of a nation welcoming the New Year.
Want to be part of this magical time? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you plan your perfect Tet holiday filled with local traditions, heartfelt moments and the true spirit of Vietnamese spring.
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